The Nepalese greeting ‘Ghar Jastai ta naahola’ could not have been more fitting. It means ‘make yourself at home,’ and that is exactly how personnel at RAF High Wycombe were made to feel at the launch of the new Nepalese Community Heritage Centre on 28 July. In a blaze of colour and excitement, the old Theatre Club props room was transformed into a centre that will preserve the culture and traditions of a proud people.
To cheers of ‘Namaste,’ guests were given a traditional welcome of brightly coloured scarves – brought from Nepal - as a symbol of good luck and support. The plaque unveiling commemorating the opening was performed by Gp Capt Phil Arnold to rousing applause. The elder of the group also presented him with a decorative Kothi Mara Khukuri. Serving a dual purpose as a weapon and a cutting tool, the iconic Khukuri has its earliest recorded use in the seventh century and is traditionally associated with Nepali-speaking Gurkhas.
Although the centre was completed in a mere four weeks, the journey to get to this auspicious opening was far from smooth.
The idea of a centre just for the Nepalese community at RAF High Wycombe was first mooted over eight years ago.
Sgt Gurung, MPSG was a leading light in getting the project off the ground.
“The Nepalese were very few then. But we wanted to let the station know that we were a family and an acknowledgement that we were here. The costs to build a new centre were deemed too high and things went silent for a few years.” Sgt Gurung
With the appointment of Gp Capt Arnold as Station Commander two years ago, everything changed. Passionate to ensure that something would be done during his tenure, the Gp Capt invited Sgt Gurung and his colleagues into his office to help him understand more about Nepalese culture. Several places were considered, including sites by Greenwood, the nursery school, the Smithy’s Barn and the Station Church. The old Theatre Club store room was chosen for its easy access to the Oakeshott Centre after prayers and meditation. Crucially, it had room to house cabinets to display an array of arts, crafts and religious artefacts.
The design and eventual build of the centre was a team effort.
“We had a WhatsApp group to discuss and decide on various issues, then we all came to an agreement. There was no committee. It was definitely a team effort,” Sgt Gurung.
Assistance came from a variety of sources including the Station Community Development Officer, Dani Bowman, who was able to raise £300 for decorating materials. The rest was sheer elbow grease!
So, what will the centre be used for?
“Apart from preserving our culture and passing on our traditions to the next generation, it will be used as a multi-faith room and to mark our festivities,” Sgt Gurung.
Did you know that Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of religion and culture, with the two main faiths being Hinduism and Buddhism? There is a tradition for every one of the 365 days in the year.
The centre is likely to hold main prayer meetings at least twice a month. Although primarily for the Nepalese community, anyone can use the room for praying and meditation. When not in use the centre will be locked, but keys can be obtained from the guardroom.
Not only is the opening of the centre a proud moment for the Nepalese community, it also places RAF High Wycombe in the record books. Although there are temples for serving Gurkha soldiers around the United Kingdom, High Wycombe is the first base in the country to have a Nepalese Community Heritage Centre.
Personnel from all sites were invited to join the Nepalese community in a sumptuous curry after the ceremony, served alfresco next to Smithy’s Bar.
There is an old proverb that says ‘a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ And arguably this has been a journey. The opening ceremony was a very emotional time.
“We didn’t believe it would happen.....It means everything to us and we are very thankful to the Station Commander,” reflected Sgt Gurung as he welcomed people into the centre for the first time.
For being a true trailblazer, well done High Wycombe.
